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Small Starts Grants

The Small Starts grant assists researchers (based at NITC partner universities) who are interested in transportation but have not had an opportunity to undertake a small project ($20,000 or less) consistent with NITC's theme of:

Improving the mobility of people and goods to build strong communities.

ELIGIBILITY

Faculty members and research faculty eligible to serve as Principal Investigators (PIs) at Portland State University, Oregon Institute of Technology, University of Arizona, University of Oregon, University of Texas at Arlington and University of Utah may submit proposals.

Institutional Letter of Commitment required. See RFP for details.

GRANT TIMELINE

RFP Opens: July 15, 2019

Proposal due: September 13, 2019

Peer Reviews: Sept-Oct 2019

Award Selection: Oct-Nov 2019

Projects begin & funds become available: December 1, 2019

Progress report due: May 31, 2020

Draft Final Report due: Oct 31, 2020

Final report due: Nov 30, 2020

AWARD EXPECTATIONS

1:1 match is required

Bi-annual progress reports that highlight the accomplishments and impact of the project

A deliverable, such as a final report or comparable product, that summarizes research findings

Submission of a data product that accompanies research findings

Other requirements as outlined in the PI Handbook and required by NITC's funder

Items that will not be supported by this initiative:

Travel not essential to conducting research or performing project tasks

A student-led activity or research

Equipment over $5,000

Long-term personnel support

PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be peer reviewed and the peer review scores are used to rank proposals. The NITC Executive Committee selects the final slate of proposals via consensus. We recommend you discuss your project idea with the Executive Comnittee member of your NITC campus prior to submitting your funding request.

Examples of research we hope to support:

Demonstrate a proof of concept aimed at additional research

Activity aimed at assisting local agencies in implementing research results

Release time for a faculty member to work on research

Preliminary data collection to support research concept

Key factors:

Clarity and intellectual merit of research focus, project description, and timeline

Fit with NITC’s theme of Improving Mobility of People and Goods to Build Strong Communities

HOW TO APPLY

This NITC grant is part of the University Transportation Center program, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and is a partnership between Portland State University (PSU), the Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech), University of Arizona (UA), University of Oregon (UO), University of Utah (UU), and University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).